Reversible dog harness with multiple leash connectors

ABSTRACT

A reversible dog harness that includes a swiveling front D-ring that is operable and accessible regardless of whether the harness is positioned in a first reversible orientation or a second reversible orientation. For instance, the harness includes a body has a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being opposite one another. The first side is facing in an outward direction when the body is disposed in a first reversible orientation, whereas the second side is facing outward when the body is disposed in a second reversed orientation. A mounting member is attached to the body and defines a loop that extends beyond an adjacent edge of the body. A portion of the D-ring is be disposed within the loop such that the connector is disposed adjacent the edge and off of the body.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on and a claim of priority is madeunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to provisional patent application Ser. No.62/747,155, filed on Oct. 18, 2018, the content of which is incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference.

The present application is also a continuation-in-part of previouslyfiled, currently pending U.S. design patent application Serial No.29/691,450 filed on May 16, 2019.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a dog harness, and morespecifically, a reversible dog harness that includes a top leashconnector or swiveling D-ring and a front leash connector or swivelingD-ring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dog or pet harnesses are well known and generally include a series ofstraps that loop around the dog's torso and secure with one or morebuckles. Reversible harnesses provide dog or pet owners the ability toselectively manipulate the harness, for example, by reversing all orsome of the harness, in order to display different patterns, colors,etc. Although reversible harnesses can provide different fashionableoptions, they also create a challenge in providing a number offunctional features.

For example, if the harness is reversible, it may be undesirable to havemetal or plastic clips, rings, brackets, or other typically hard piecesof the harness in places that would or could be pressed directly againstthe body of the pet or dog. In other words, if the harness has metal,plastic or other rigid clips, brackets, clasps, D-rings, O-rings, etc.on one or both of the decorative surfaces of the reversible harness,then when that surface is turned to face the inside of the harness,those rigid clips, brackets, clasps, or rings will press directlyagainst the dog. This will not only be extremely uncomfortable for thedog, but in cases where the dog may have difficulty breathing (e.g.,after surgery or after an injury), it can be physically detrimental tothe dog or pet.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a reversible harness thatthat includes a swiveling D-ring or other leash connector on the frontedge of harness's collar portion. The location of the front connectorand the ability of the connector to swivel will allow it to be used whenthe harness in disposed in either or both of the two reversibleorientations. The front connector can swivel into position and is keptfrom pressing against the dog's body. The proposed reversible harnesscan also include a top connector or top D-ring, which also swivels andwhich can be used when the harness is disposed in either or both of thetwo reversible orientation. Similarly, the top connector can swivel intoposition and is kept from pressing against the dog's body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a reversible dog harness, thatincludes a front connector, which may be in the form of a D-ring, thatswivels and is operable and accessible regardless of whether the harnessis positioned in a first reversible orientation or a second reversibleorientation.

For instance, the harness includes a body that defines a collar portionand a chest portion. The body has a first side and a second side, thefirst and second sides being opposite one another. For example, thefirst side may be facing in an outward direction when the body isdisposed in a first reversible orientation, whereas the second side maybe facing outward when the body is disposed in a second reversedorientation. Conversely, the second side will be facing inward when thebody is in the first reversed orientation and the first side will befacing inward when the body is disposed in the second reversedorientation.

In some embodiments, the first side will have a different color, patternor indicia than the second side, which allows a pet owner to choosewhich one of the sides to display. It should be noted that the termside, used in first side and second side, can include portions of anouter brim or raised edge.

In addition, a mounting member is attached to the body in a manner todefine a loop. At least a portion of the loop extends outward or beyondan adjacent edge, such as a front edge, of the body. A portion of thefront connector or D-ring (e.g., the flat portion of a D-ring) can bedisposed within this loop such that the connector is disposed adjacentthe edge and off of the body. This allows the connector toadvantageously swivel or move in a manner such that it is accessible andoperable regardless of which one of the two reversed orientations thebody is positioned.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent when the drawings as well as thedetailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dog harness as disclosed inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention whilebeing worn by a dog.

FIG. 2 is a front-left perspective view of the dog harness as disclosedin accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the dog harness illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the dog harness illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3, with a portion of the mounting member visible through the bodyvia phantom lines.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the dog harness illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the dog harness illustrated in FIGS. 2-5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the dog harness illustrated in FIGS. 2-6.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the dog harness illustrated in FIGS. 2-7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of the dog harness withportions of the mounting member visible through the body via phantomlines.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2-8,although disposed in a reversed orientation relative thereto.

FIG. 12. is a top view of the dog harness illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the method of reversing the dogharness of at least one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the dog harness without the firstportion of the rear strap and with directional arrows to illustrate themethod of reversing the dog harness.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference toFIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a harness, referenced as10, and more specifically, to a reversible dog harness 10 that includesleash connectors (e.g., D-rings or O-rings) 50, 60 strategically placedand operable in a way such that the connectors 50, 60 can be used oraccessed regardless of which reversible orientation the harness ispositioned. Additionally, the connectors 50, 60 do not press directlyagainst the animal's 5 body and are thus not obtrusive, uncomfortable ordetrimental to the animal 5.

Particularly, and still referring to FIG. 1, as well as FIGS. 2 through8, the harness 10 includes a body 20 that includes a first side 20A anda second side 20B. The body 20 of the harness 10 of at least oneembodiment is made of a fabric or textile material, although othermaterials are contemplated. The body 20 of at least one embodiment isreversible, meaning that, when the body 20 is positioned in a firstorientation (FIGS. 1-8), the first side or surface 20A is facing outwardwhile the second side or surface 20B is facing inward, and when the body20 is positioned in a second orientation (FIGS. 11 and 12), the secondside or surface 20B is facing outward while the first side or surface20A is facing inward.

In some embodiments, the first side or surface 20A will have a differentcolor, pattern or indicia than the second side or surface 20B. In thosecases, a pet owner can position the body 20 in the first orientationwhen it is desired to display the color, pattern or indicia on the firstside or surface 20A, and position the body 20 in the second orientationwhen it is desired to display the color, pattern or indicia on thesecond side or surface 20B. It should be noted that other embodimentsmay have the same or similar colors, patterns, or indicia on both thefirst and second sides or surfaces 20A, 2B and still be consideredreversible within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, still referring to FIG. 1, the body 20 can be defined asincluding a collar portion 22 and a chest portion 24. The collar portion22, as used herein, is the area or portion of the body thatsubstantially surrounds the neck area of the animal, whereas, the chestportion 24 is the area or portion of the body 20 that is adjacent or atleast partially covers the animal's chest. The collar portion 22 definesan opening through which the animal's head is placed until the collarportion surrounds the animal's neck, as shown in FIG. 1. The chestportion 24 is then placed over the animal's chest, as shown in FIG. 1,and one or more straps, such as rear straps, are secured or connected,for example, via cooperative buckle assemblies.

Additionally, the body 20 of at least one embodiment includes a channel25 or opening though which a portion of a rear strap 30 is disposed.Specifically, in at least one embodiment, the channel 25 of the body 20is a continuous opening or channel that extends laterally across thebody 20 of the harness 10 with openings at each side or end. A portionof the rear strap 40 is fed or disposed through the channel 25, asdescribed in more detail below.

For instance, the rear strap 30 of at least one embodiment includes afirst portion 30A and a second portion 30B. The second portion 30B is atleast partially fed or disposed through the channel 25 of the body 20.In this manner, the second portion 30B of the rear strap 30 will securethe body 20 of the harness 10 against the bottom of the animal's chestor against the animal's stomach, depending on the size of the animal orharness.

In some embodiments, the second portion 30B of the rear strap 30 can becompletely disconnected from the first portion 30A via two separatebuckle assemblies 34, 36 or other connectors, attachment mechanisms,etc. Accordingly, with the second portion 30B of the rear strap 30 fedthrough or otherwise positioned within the channel 25, two free ends ofthe second portion 30B will extend beyond the channel 25, as shown inthe Figures. Buckle attachments are secured to the two free ends, whichconnect to cooperative buckle attachments secured to the two free endsof the first portion 30A of the rear strap 30.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment, a top strap 40 extendsrearwardly from the collar portion 22 of the body 20. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 through 8, the harness 10 includes one top strap 40extending rearward from the top of the collar portion 22. However, otherembodiments may have multiple top straps 40, or one top strap 40 notnecessarily extending from top of the collar portion 22.

The top strap 40, of at least one embodiment, forms a loop 45 throughwhich the rear strap 30, and in particular, the first portion 30A of therear strap 30, is disposed. For example, the top strap 40 may be formedof two strips of material connected in a manner to form the loop 45.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the two strips may beconnected together at one end 41 and again at another point 43 along thelength of the strips to form the loop 45. The strips or top strap of oneembodiment is also connected or attached to the body 20, and. Inparticular to the collar portion thereof.

In some cases, the top strap may be a single strip of material that isfolded upon itself and/or connected to itself to form a loop 45. Otherembodiments may have different configurations to form the loop 45through which the rear strap 30 is disposed.

Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, a top connector 60 is providedand attached to the harness 10 at or near the top 22A of the collarportion 22. For instance, the top connector 60 may include or otherwisebe in the form of a D-ring (a ring shaped similar to the letter D), anO-ring (a ring shaped similar to the letter O) or other like connectoror device. Specifically, the connector 60 is used to connect a leash,rope, etc. (not shown) to the harness 10. Specifically, it is common tohave a snap-connector, quick connect coupler, hook, carabiner, or otherlike connector at the end of a leash (not shown) that can connect to thetop connector 60 of the present invention.

Furthermore, in at least one embedment, and as shown in FIG. 3, forexample, the top connector 60 is attached to the harness 10 in a mannerthat allows it to swivel into multiple positions such that the topconnector 60 can be operable regardless of which one of the tworeversible orientations the body 20 is positioned. For example, when thebody 20 is positioned in the first orientation (FIGS. 1-8), the topconnector 60 can be swiveled or positioned such that the opening definedby the top connector 60 can extend upward or beyond the first surface20A (which is the outward facing surface in this orientation) of thebody 20. Similarly, when the body 20 is positioned in the secondorientation (FIGS. 11, 12), the top connector 60 can be swiveled orpositioned such that the opening defined by the top connector 60 canextend upward or beyond the second surface 20B (which is the outwardfacing surface in this orientation) of the body 20.

Specifically, with reference again to FIG. 3, the top connector 60 isattached or connected to the harness 10 adjacent the rear edge 26 of thetop 22A of the collar portion 22. In other words, the top harness 60 ofat least one embodiment is not attached to the first surface 22A orsecond surface 22B of the body 20. Rather, the top connector 60 isdisposed adjacent the edge 26. This allows the top connector to swivelinto the different positions, as described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the top strap 40 forms a loop 47 or openingthat is disposed off of the edge of the body 20 and/or that extends offof the edge of the body 20. A portion of the top connector 60 isdisposed within the loop 47, allowing the top connector to swivel. Forexample, one portion of the top strap 40 may be connected to the firstsurface 20A of the body 20 and another portion of the top strap 40 maybe connected to the second surface 20B. As those portions of the topstrap extend off of the body 20 and are connected at point 43, a loop 47is formed. There are other ways, within the full spirit and scope of thepresent invention to form the loop 47 extending or disposed off of edge26.

Further, at least one embodiment of the present invention also includesa front connector 50 extending off of a front edge 28. For instance, thefront edge 28 defines the opening of the collar portion 22 of the body20 through which the animal's head is positioned. In at least oneembodiment, the front connector 50 may be disposed at or near the bottomof the front edge 28, which may be near the animal's throat or neck.

The front connector 60 may include or otherwise be in the form of aD-ring (a ring shaped similar to the letter D), an O-ring (a ring shapedsimilar to the letter O) or other like connector or device.Specifically, the front connector 50 may be used to connect a leash,rope, etc. to the harness 10 via a cooperative hook or connector (notshown).

Furthermore, in at least one embedment, the front connector 50 isattached to the harness 10 in a manner that allows it to swivel intomultiple positions such that the front connector 50 can be operableregardless of which one of the two reversible orientations the body 20is positioned. For example, when the body 20 is positioned in the firstorientation (FIGS. 1-8), the front connector 60 can be swiveled orpositioned such that the opening defined by the top connector 60 isaccessible with the second surface 20B directly against the animal'sbody and the first surface 20A positioned outward. Similarly, when thebody 20 is positioned in the second orientation (FIGS. 11, 12), thefront connector 50 is accessible with the first surface 20A directlyagainst the animal's body and the second surface 20B positioned outward.

For instance, in at least one embodiment, a mounting piece or member 70is used to connect or mount the front connector 50 to the harness 10. Asshown in FIGS. 1-8, the mounting piece or member 70 is an elongatedstrip of material connected to the body 20 (e.g., via stitching,adhesive, etc.) and defining a loop 75. The loop 75 of at least oneembodiment extends off of the edge 28 of the body 20. In this manner, aportion of the front connector 50 can be disposed within the loop 75such that the front connector 50 is disposed adjacent or in front of theedge 28. This allows the front connector 50 to swivel up and down (inthe orientation of FIG. 3) in order to be operable when the body 20 ispositioned in the first reversible orientation and the second reversibleorientation.

With reference to FIGS. 1-8, the mounting piece or member 70 may be anelongated piece of material or structure that includes at least a firstportion 70A and a second portion 70B that are folded in order to formthe loop 75. The first portion 70A may be attached (e.g., via stitching,adhesive, etc.) to the first side or surface 20A of the body 20.Similarly, the second portion 70B may be attached to the second side orsurface 20B of the body. This allows at least a portion of the loop 75to extend outward and beyond the edge 28. In some cases, the edge 28 maydefine an inside edge of the loop or it may be within the loop 75, forexample, depending on how far back from the edge 28 the first and secondportions 70A, 70B are sewn or attached.

Either way, at least a portion of the loop 75 extends forward or beyondthe edge 28, allowing the front connector 50 to swivel into differentpositions and to be accessible and operable when the body 20 is disposedin the first reversible orientation and the second reversibleorientation.

In another embodiment, the mounting piece or member 70 may be attachedto or disposed against only one of the two sides or surfaces 20A, 20B,as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example. Specifically, in thisembodiment, even though the mounting piece or member 70 is attached toonly one side (e.g., side 20A), at least a portion of the loop 75 stillextends beyond or forward of the front edge 28, allowing the frontconnector to swivel and be operable regardless of which one of the tworeversible orientations the body is positioned.

It should also be noted that while the mounting member 70 is shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 as being attached to or disposed against the secondsurface or side 20B of the body and not against the first surface 20A,the reverse construction can also be made. In other words, it iscontemplated that the mounting member 70 can be attached to or disposedagainst the first surface 20A and not to or against the second surfaceor side 20B.

It should also be noted that the mounting piece or member 70 of at leastone embodiment can be a single piece, multiple pieces or integral withthe body 20. Furthermore, the mounting piece or member 70 can be formedof a textile or fabric material, or in other embodiments, the mountingpiece or member may be more rigid, and, for example, constructed ofplastic, rubber, metal, etc.

With reference now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a method 100 of reversing theharness 10 is shown. For example, with the first portion 30A of the rearstrap 30 removed from the second portion 30B and/or otherwise removedfrom the loop 45, as referenced at 102, the top strap 40 can be insertedthrough the top connector 60 as shown by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 14.For example, the outermost end 41 of the top strap 40 is fed through theconnector 60 and pulled all the way through. This will allow the topconnector 60 to swivel down, as shown by arrow A3 in FIG. 14 and asrepresented by 104 in FIG. 13. Furthermore, as represented as 106, thebody 20 of the harness 10 is also reversed or manipulated such that thesecond surface 20B is facing outward and the first surface 20A is facinginward.

Additionally, in some cases, the second portion 30B of the rear strap 30can be rotated 180 degrees within the channel 25, as shown by Arrow A4.This can be done while the second portion 30B is within the channel 25or it can be done by first removing the second portion 30B from thechannel 25 and re-inserting it through the channel 25 in an oppositeorientation, as exemplified by Arrow A4. This can be done in order forthe buckle attachments of the first and second portions 30 to matchorientations. This is because, the first portion 30A of the rear strap30 can be used in the same orientation while the body 20 is disposed ineither of the two reversed orientations, e.g., with reference to FIG. 2(where the body 20 is disposed in the first orientation) and FIG. 11(where the body 20 is disposed in the second orientation).

Specifically, since the rear strap 30 of at least one embodimentincludes an adjustment device 33, it may be preferable to maintain theadjustment device on the outwardly facing side of the strap 30regardless of which orientation the body 20 is positioned. For example,the adjustment device 33 can be used to adjust the length of the strap30, and in particular, the length of the first portion 30A of the rearstrap 30. It might be preferable to keep the adjustment device on theoutwardly facing side of the strap 30 for purposes of accessibility and,perhaps more importantly, so the adjustment device 33 does not pressdirectly against the body of the animal. For instance, on one side ofthe strap (e.g., the outwardly facing side as shown in the Figures), theadjustment device may be at least partially exposed, whereas on theother side, such as the inwardly facing side of the strap 30 shown inthe Figures, the adjustment device may be protected or covered in thatit will not directly contact the body of the animal.

In some cases, the corresponding buckle components on the strap 30 mayconnect or function properly in two different orientations. In otherwords, rotating the second portion 30B of the strap 180 degrees, asshown by Arrow A4, and as represented as 108, may not be necessarydepending on the functionality of the particular buckle assembly.

In any event, the second portion is again fed or positioned through theopening or loop 45 and the ends of the first and second portions 30A,30B are connected using the buckle assemblies.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen forpurposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications whichdo not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of thisinvention. This written description provides an illustrative explanationand/or account of the present invention. It may be possible to deliverequivalent benefits using variations of the specific embodiments,without departing from the inventive concept. This description and thesedrawings, therefore, are to be regarded as illustrative and notrestrictive.

Now that the invention has been described,

What is claimed is:
 1. A reversible dog harness, comprising: a bodydefining a collar portion and a chest portion, said body comprising afirst side and a second side, said first side being opposite said secondside, wherein said body is selectively positionable between a firstorientation and a second orientation, said first orientation beingdefined as said first side facing outward and said second side facinginward, and said second orientation being defined as said second sidefacing outward and said first side facing inward, said body comprising achannel extending laterally through at least a part of said chestportion, a top strap extending rearwardly from a top of said collarportion, said top strap defining a loop, a rear strap disposed throughsaid loop of said top strap and through said channel on said body, a topconnector disposed proximate said top of said collar portion, a frontconnector disposed beyond a front edge of said collar portion of saidbody, wherein said front connector is attached to said collar portion ofsaid body via a mounting member, wherein said mounting member defines aloop through which said front connector is disposed, wherein at least aportion of said loop of said mounting member is beyond said front edgeof said body, and wherein a first portion of said mounting member isattached to said first side of said body and wherein a second portion ofsaid mounting member is attached to said second side of said body. 2.The reversible dog harness as recited in claim 1 wherein said mountingmember comprises an elongated strip of material.
 3. The reversible dogharness as recited in claim 1 wherein said front connector comprises aring.
 4. The reversible dog harness as recited in claim 1 wherein saidfront connector comprises a D-ring.
 5. The reversible dog harness asrecited in claim 1 wherein said rear strap comprises a first portion anda second portion, said first portion being disposed through said loop ofsaid top strap and said second portion being disposed through saidchannel of said body, wherein said first portion is removable from saidsecond portion via two buckle assemblies.
 6. The reversible dog harnessas recited in claim 5 wherein said rear strap further comprises anadjustment device, said adjustment device being at least partiallydisposed on an outside-facing surface of said top strap and protected byan inside surface of said top strap when said body is disposed in saidfirst orientation and said second orientation.
 7. A reversible dogharness, comprising: a body defining a collar portion and a chestportion, said body comprising a first side and a second side, said firstside being opposite said second side, wherein said body is selectivelypositionable between a first orientation and a second orientation, saidfirst orientation being defined as said first side facing outward andsaid second side facing inward, and said second orientation beingdefined as said second side facing outward and said first side facinginward, a mounting member attached to said body and defining a loop,wherein at least a portion of said loop extends beyond a front edge ofsaid body, and a front ring movably disposed within said loop of saidmounting member, wherein said front ring is accessible when said body isdisposed in said first orientation and worn by an animal, and said frontring is accessible when said body is disposed in said second orientationand worn by an animal.
 8. The reversible dog harness as recited in claim7 wherein said front ring comprises a D-ring.
 9. The reversible dogharness as recited in claim 7 wherein a first portion of said mountingmember is attached to said first side of said body and wherein a secondportion of said mounting member is attached to said second side of saidbody.
 10. The reversible dog harness as recited in claim 7 wherein saidmounting member is disposed against said first side of said body but notagainst said second side of said body.
 11. The reversible dog harness asrecited in claim 7 wherein said mounting member is disposed against saidsecond side of said body but not against said first side of said body.12. A reversible dog harness, comprising: a body defining a collarportion and a chest portion, said body comprising a first side and asecond side, said first side being opposite said second side, whereinsaid body is selectively positionable between a first orientation and asecond orientation, said first orientation being defined as said firstside facing outward and said second side facing inward, and said secondorientation being defined as said second side facing outward and saidfirst side facing inward, said body comprising a channel extendinglaterally through at least a part of said chest portion, a top strapextending rearwardly from a top of said collar portion, said top strapdefining a loop, a rear strap disposed through said loop of said topstrap and through said channel on said body, a top connector disposedproximate said top of said collar portion, a front connector disposedbeyond a front edge of said collar portion of said body, and whereinsaid rear strap comprises a first portion and a second portion, saidfirst portion being disposed through said loop of said top strap andsaid second portion being disposed through said channel of said body,wherein said first portion is removable from said second portion via twobuckle assemblies.